Keywords
Cultivation Theory, Jury Service, Quantitative Methods
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Despite being a pillar of the American legal framework, response rates to jury summons remain low, particularly among minorities. Prior research has focused on structural factors contributing to these low rates. Yet, little research has examined citizens’ willingness to engage in the process. At the same time, research on Cultivation Theory suggests some types of consumption are associated with an increased desire to work in the Criminal Justice System. This study explores the impact of media, including news, social media, and legal dramas, on citizens’ disposition toward juries, including beliefs about the importance of juries and willingness to serve on a jury. Using data from a nationwide survey of 500 people, results indicated consuming legal drama, exclusive of crime-based entertainment significantly increased positive disposition. This relationship was not moderated by race. These findings suggest some types of criminal justice-based media may cultivate a disposition to engage in the process.
Recommended Citation
Dolliver, Matthew J.; Leonhardt, Josie; and Pedigo, Emily
(2025)
"Cultivating a Will to Serve: Applying Cultivation Theory to Understand the Effect of Legal Dramas on Attitudes Toward Jury Service,"
Journal of Criminal Justice and Law: Vol. 8:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
Available at:
https://research.library.kutztown.edu/jcjl/vol8/iss2/2